The family of Constable Dinesh Sharma, a key witness in the 2017 custodial death case linked to the Gudiya rape-murder investigation, has accused the Himachal Pradesh Police of subjecting him to mental harassment and appealed to the state government for intervention.
Addressing the media in Shimla, Dinesh’s brother Suresh Sharma alleged that the constable was transferred five times within one-and-a-half months before being suspended. He claimed the repeated transfers and suspension were linked to Dinesh’s role as a witness in the custodial death case.
According to the family, Dinesh had requested that his transfer be deferred on humanitarian grounds, as his son is severely disabled and depends on him for daily care and transportation to school. Suresh alleged that instead of receiving relief, Dinesh was suspended after approaching the Lok Bhavan to raise his concerns.
Dinesh was on duty when Suraj, one of the accused in the Gudiya rape and murder case, died in police custody in 2017. His testimony before the court later became a key part of the investigation, which led to the conviction of eight police personnel, including a former Inspector General, by a CBI court.
The family has warned that it will approach the Himachal Pradesh High Court, the National Human Rights Commission, and, if necessary, the Supreme Court, seeking justice.
However, Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh rejected the allegations, stating that Dinesh was suspended for repeatedly disobeying departmental orders, failing to report for duty on time, and indiscipline. He added that a departmental inquiry is being conducted fairly and that Dinesh will be given a full opportunity to present his case before any final action is taken.
